Greetings Good People,

In a previous post, I highlighted an amazing program for Black girls in STEM, Black Girls Code, and recently came across another that deserves recognition. The following information comes from Loop Jamaica.

Over 300 girls represented Jamaica in the 2019 Caribbean Hackathon for International Girls in ICT (Information and Communications Technology). Organized by SheLeadsIT co-founders Bridget Lewis and Nicole Pitter Patterson, the Hackathon encourages and empowers young women to pursue studies and careers in ICT. This year’s program took place in five Caribbean countries: Jamaica, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados. And the girls are apart of a wider global initiative created to fill the gender gap for women in the technology sector.

Bridget Lewis advised the following:

“Globally the jobs of the future are becoming heavily tech based, but tech is still a space which is highly male dominated. Girls and women face many barriers to entry and are not encouraged or given the tech skills necessary to properly equip them for these jobs.”

Nicole Pitter Patterson added:

“Girls in ICT Day brings awareness to the need for women to take part in the future of ICT, it is essential that all persons interested in the field are included, so that capable and talented girls don’t get overlooked.”

You can check out the full article by clicking here. If you have any additional information on this organization, feel free to comment below.

Until Next Time…